Preparing for the Unthinkable: East Providence Police Department Completes Active Shooter Training

Officers from the East Providence Police Department in Rhode Island recently completed a week-long critical incident response course. The program used scenario-based exercises to put officers through realistic, high-pressure situations built around one of the most demanding challenges in law enforcement: active shooter response.

The course went deep on the tactical skills that active shooter situations demand. Officers worked through target identification, marksmanship, high-threat clearance and entry tactics, and command and control under pressure. These are the skills that don't always make it into standard departmental training, but are exactly what officers need when a critical incident is unfolding in real time.

The training also challenged officers to think beyond tactics. Understanding how escalation of force can directly influence how a situation unfolds gives officers a more complete picture of their role in the outcome, and that awareness can be just as critical as any technical skill.

The scenarios required quick decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to work together when the stakes are highest. That kind of preparation leads to better outcomes for officers and the communities they serve.